Modi speech at ASEAN-India Summit interrupted

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the ASEAN-India Summit here Wednesday was interrupted within a few minutes apparently because the media continued to remain in the room to cover what was a closed event.

As soon as Myanmar President Thein Sein concluded his inaugural remarks, which were open to the media, Modi began his speech in Hindi.

However, after a few sentences, just when he was speaking of the closeness between Myanmar and India, the audio went off.

As the audio came on briefly, the prime minister was heard asking: "I think there is a technical problem. Is it okay?"

He resumed his speech, saying "Excellencies", but the audio was snapped off again even as the media was being herded out of the room.

In his speech, which was later given to the media in written format, the prime minister spoke of his government's resolve to translate the 'Look East Policy' into an 'Acting East' one and that he would push through with connectivity corridors with the 10-member ASEAN bloc.

Modi is in Myanmar for three days before he leaves for Australia Nov 14 to attend the G20 Summit in Brisbane.